Fort Nelson LNG facility fined over $12K by WorkSafeBC

FORT NELSON, B.C. — A Fort Nelson transportation and warehousing company was fined $12,066.04 by WorkSafeBC for several safety violations.

According to WorkSafeBC, the first inspection detailing the safety violations, such as storing propane tanks improperly, occurred on July 22nd, 2021, at Cryopeak LNG Solutions Corporation’s facility near Fort Nelson.

The inspection notes, written by Troy Lockhart, a WorkSafeBC employee, reported that large compressed gas cylinders were placed along the entrance to the parking area, waiting to be picked up. 

The cylinders outside the facility were not protected in any way, leading to the first violation. Lockhart added that they were not secured inside either.

Lockhart saw the amine system, which removes hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide from fuel gases, was fitted with guards. However, workers could still put their hands through an opening in the back, which was noted as the second violation.

Lockhart wrote that the load-out facility has a weigh scale that is elevated beside piping and pumps, but the bull rails and curb have been damaged, and one section was not repaired, resulting in the third violation.

“The employer should look at increasing the height of the bull rails to ensure trucks cannot go over the edge and hit the piping,” Lockhart added.

The WorkSafeBC employee said workers at the facility also could not produce a copy of the written first aid procedures, and none were seen within the building, which was the fourth violation.

Due to the construction and recent rain at the time, Lockhart wrote that the area around the facility was soft and muddy. Gas cylinders were stored in areas that equipment could not safely access without sinking and shifting, creating a hazard and resulting in a fifth violation. 

The report detailing the violations was emailed to Cryopeak LNG Solutions Corporation on July 30th, 2021.

Cryopeak LNG Solutions Corporation had until August 20th, 2021, to submit a report detailing how it complied with WorkSafeBC’s orders.

On November 16th, 2021, another inspection was completed at the facility, and WorkSafeBC employee Matthew Donovan completed a new inspection report.

While on-site, Donovan noted that a worker with valid OFA Level 1 training was present, however, first aid procedures were unavailable on-site. First aid procedures were later provided, and the first violation was brought into compliance.

The second violation occurred when Donovan noticed the eyewash station had solution that expired in 2020. This violation was still outstanding.

Donovan wrote that workers are exposed to high noise levels from equipment in the facility, but no noise control and hearing conservation program was in place. 

Before he wrote the report, the employer provided a new document for the program, bringing the third violation into compliance.

The final violation from the second inspection was the compressed gas cylinders stored upright but unsecured, which was still outstanding.

Cryopeak LNG Solutions Corporation was fined $12,066.04 on December 13th, 2023.

Energeticcity.ca reached out to Cryopeak LNG Solutions Corporation but did not receive a response by publication time.